My Skin, Your Skin

Laura Henry-Allain MBE, talks about her new book, and how she hopes it will help to open up a dialogue about racism with young children.

“It’s important to remember that no child is born racist,” Laura says simply.

“So when I hear stories from educators, teachers, and parents sharing with me racist comments made by three and four year olds, I wonder where that has come from.

“I’ve learned that when it comes to raising anti-racist children, it’s not just about what you say, your subconscious can speak to children as well.

“If you’re walking down the street and you see a group of Black children coming towards you, do you grab your child’s hand a little tighter?

“IF YOU SEE AN INJUSTICE AGAINST A BLACK OR BROWN PERSON, DO YOU TALK ABOUT THAT INJUSTICE TO YOUR CHILD?THESE ARE THE MESSAGES YOUR CHILD IS RECEIVING ABOUT YOUR OWN STANCE ON RACE, AND YOUR ATTITUDE TO ANTI-RASICM.”

Laura is not new to the concept of illuminating injustice, celebrating diversity, and battling racism in Britain’s young people. She began her career as an Early Years teacher before becoming a writer, children’s content creator, and producer. Today, she is best known as the creator of the characters of the popular BBC CBeebies show, Jojo & Gran Gran; the first animated series to centre on a Black British family.

More recently Laura penned a new children’s book, My Skin, Your Skin, which she hopes will enable families and professionals to start talking about racism with very young children.

“The idea for the book came to me about a year ago,” she explains, from the home office of the London house she shares with her family.

“I’ve been speaking about race, antiracism, and empowering children in Early Years globally for many years.

“THERE’S THIS MISPLACED IDEA THAT WE CAN’T TALK TO CHILDREN ABOUT SERIOUS THINGS, LIKE RACISM, BUT OF COURSE WE TALK TO CHILDREN ABOUT BIG THINGS ALL THE TIME.

“We tell them that bullying is wrong, that hitting is wrong, so why not open up conversations about racism?

“There’s this school of thought with children, where people seem to think it’s helpful to deny their children see colour. I understand it comes from a useful place, but it isn’t useful to deny our differences, because we do see colour. It’s important to teach our children that there are lots of different people in the world, and that there is correct terminology for them to be using.”

My Skin, Your Skin is a beautiful book, fully-illustrated by Onyinye Iwu, and created specifically for children aged four and over. Over 32 thoughtfully crafted pages, it works to explain what racism is, why it is wrong, and what children can do if they see it or experience it. It also explores how important it is for children to celebrate their achievements and greatness.

“IT IS MY WISH THAT EVERY PARENT, EVERY PROFESSIONAL,AND EVERY SCHOOL HAS A COPYOF THIS BOOK,” SAYS LAURA.

“I hope My Skin, Your Skin will be a helpful resource for social workers to use and share with families.

“The book has been designed to empower children to be the very best versions of themselves. To have self-esteem, self-love, and self-worth, irrespective of their skin colour.”

My Skin, Your Skin, published by Penguin at £9.99, is available for pre-order now, ahead of its release on 14th October.